Money Basics
Learn what money is, how to count it, and how everyday choices add up.
K–12 lessons and activities · Free
Explore Free Resources ↗Youth Financial Education
Youth Financial Education
Practical money skills for young learners and families. Each topic connects to real, free lessons, activities, or guidance from established public agencies.
Choose a starting point
Our suggested learning paths are flexible: choose activities that suit the learner’s reading level, interests, and experience.
- Early learners: Recognize coins, sort needs and wants, and choose a small saving goal.
- Growing learners: Compare prices, plan a simple budget, and track progress toward a goal.
- Teens: Explore compound growth, diversification, investment risk, and online safety before considering real money.
Saving Goals
Practice setting goals, saving regularly, and tracking progress.
Savings worksheets and activities · Free
Explore Free Resources ↗Needs & Wants
Explore thoughtful spending choices and how to compare priorities.
Spending decisions activities · Free
Explore Free Resources ↗Budgeting
Build a simple spending plan and learn to make money last.
CFPB classroom resources · Free
Explore Free Resources ↗Investing Foundations
Discover the basics of long-term growth, uncertainty, and patience.
SEC youth investing resources · Free
Explore Free Resources ↗Staying Safe
Recognize scams and learn why protecting personal information matters.
FTC online safety guidance · Free
Explore Free Resources ↗Try a 20-minute family activity
- Choose a pretend $20 budget and a goal.
- List three possible purchases and identify needs versus wants.
- Decide how much to spend, save, and share.
- Explain one trade-off and one thing you would change next time.
For parents and educators
Preview each resource, choose an appropriate lesson, and discuss it together. No trading account is needed for these activities. Use pretend money for practice and keep personal account details private.
Does learning about investing mean placing trades?
No. Start with saving, time horizons, diversification, fees, and the possibility of losses. Understanding a concept comes before using real money.
Are these resources our products?
No. These links lead to independent public-agency educational resources. Their inclusion does not imply an endorsement of The Wall Street Edge.